Proverbs and Wisdom for Children
Rajni Sheth
February 08, 2008
Many times it is easy to teach a child with practical happenings than by books or stories. If this Christmas your 4 year old wants to bake a cake herself, then do not stop her. Patience level is very low while experimenting and hence they will get over excited about a detailed project as baking a cake. Remember you are an adult, and synchronized methods have become a way of life to you.
Let your child do the mixing, but as the impatience and temptation to open the oven starts, narrate the proverb and meaning of ´counting the chickens before they hatch´. Make up as a story as to how a near relative had limited patience to wait till the eggs hatched and was upset when the only 1 chick came out of 3 eggs. Children understand such comparisons well and will bear patience not only at baking sessions, but also waiting in a queue and their turn at a game show.
If your child insists on lighting the fireworks herself, then allow her with the sparklers and explain the proverb ´Look before you leap´. You will be amazed when you use patience instead of force while explaining things. Your child now understands the hazards of lighting a rocket and move away to let you take the initiative.
If you child is in a hurry to do is homework, then let him be, point out the illegible handwriting and the result of not winning a star mark in the book. Hare and Tortoise concept of ´Slow and steady wins the race´ is the best quote. Show him a picture book on the story. Be with the child to aid him in his home work but assist only when he poses questions. He will surely finish his homework perfectly and be in time for his cartoon show on television. The lesson on a neat job and punctuality is learnt.
Anger ends in cruelty.
If it is biting cold and the child is not ready to wear a pullover then curb the tantrum with ´Anger ends in foolishness´. Practically let him bear the cold for a minute, make him understand that catching a chill, ills and bitter pills. Control your own screaming and name blaming sessions, as the child looks up to you and imitates your behaviour.
The ultimate truth is ´Gods helps those people, who help themselves´. This proverb is applicable to all of us irrespective of age. Life is a learning process and teach the wisdom of self-discipline, cleanliness, knowledge with a little story and interest provoking proverbs. Make the child believe that ´ Honesty is the Best Policy´.
More resources for inspirational stuff and proverbs. Also a mother's guide for teens.
Let your child do the mixing, but as the impatience and temptation to open the oven starts, narrate the proverb and meaning of ´counting the chickens before they hatch´. Make up as a story as to how a near relative had limited patience to wait till the eggs hatched and was upset when the only 1 chick came out of 3 eggs. Children understand such comparisons well and will bear patience not only at baking sessions, but also waiting in a queue and their turn at a game show.
If your child insists on lighting the fireworks herself, then allow her with the sparklers and explain the proverb ´Look before you leap´. You will be amazed when you use patience instead of force while explaining things. Your child now understands the hazards of lighting a rocket and move away to let you take the initiative.
If you child is in a hurry to do is homework, then let him be, point out the illegible handwriting and the result of not winning a star mark in the book. Hare and Tortoise concept of ´Slow and steady wins the race´ is the best quote. Show him a picture book on the story. Be with the child to aid him in his home work but assist only when he poses questions. He will surely finish his homework perfectly and be in time for his cartoon show on television. The lesson on a neat job and punctuality is learnt.
Anger ends in cruelty.
If it is biting cold and the child is not ready to wear a pullover then curb the tantrum with ´Anger ends in foolishness´. Practically let him bear the cold for a minute, make him understand that catching a chill, ills and bitter pills. Control your own screaming and name blaming sessions, as the child looks up to you and imitates your behaviour.
The ultimate truth is ´Gods helps those people, who help themselves´. This proverb is applicable to all of us irrespective of age. Life is a learning process and teach the wisdom of self-discipline, cleanliness, knowledge with a little story and interest provoking proverbs. Make the child believe that ´ Honesty is the Best Policy´.
More resources for inspirational stuff and proverbs. Also a mother's guide for teens.